The degree of freedom from unwanted thoughts and the degree of concentration on a single thought are the measures to gauge spiritual progress.
Ramana MaharshiFrom where does this "I" arise? Seek for it within; it then vanishes. This is the pursuit of wisdom. When the mind unceasingly investigates its own nature, it transpires that there is no such thing as mind. This is the direct path for all. The mind is merely thoughts. Of all thoughts the thought "I" is the root.
Ramana MaharshiWithout seeing the origin of light, the true form of one's Self, the ordinary man sees by the mind different things and is deluded.
Ramana MaharshiThe self cannot be found in books. You have to find it for yourself, within yourself.
Ramana Maharshi